Why we should protect our cells

Published: Tuesday | September 25, 2012  

By:  Dr Tony Vendryes (Courtesy of The Gleaner)

 

LAST WEEK, I wrote about a concept called cellular nutrition and the importance of providing the cells of the body with the right nutrients.
Today, I will expand on that theme and discuss the need to also protect the cells.
The trillions of cells in the human body work very hard. Consider, for example, the human heart. On average, it beats over three billion times in a lifetime, pumping millions of quarts of blood through some 70,000 miles of blood vessels all over the body. The muscle cells of your heart, the cells in your blood, as well as the cells that make the blood vessels themselves, are constantly subject to stress and strain, wear and tear. Little wonder that heart disease, blood disorders and circulation problems are so common.
Or what about your liver, that often undervalued organ? As the major organ of detoxification in the body, on a moment-to-moment basis, it conducts thousands of chemical processes to neutralise harmful substances and then pass them out of the body in the form of bile. The liver cells need protection from damage, just like the cells in all the other organs and tissues.

Free radicals
A major cause of cellular damage comes from free radicals. These are unstable chemicals that, in excess, can harm the cells and promote disease. They are produced by the body itself, as metabolic by-products, similar to how a car engine produces exhaust fumes. Free radicals also come from pollution in the environment, some drugs, cigarette smoke, and even the electromagnetic radiation from appliances and even from the sun itself. Free radicals can damage all parts of the cells, including your genes and DNA. This can lead to cancer. In fact, free radical damage is the underlying cause of most disease processes as well as reason why our bodies age.
There are special substances called antioxidants that defend and protect your cells from being damaged by these free radicals. The cells themselves manufacture antioxidant substances with fancy names like 'catalase' and 'superoxide dismutase'. However, if too many free radicals are produced, or if too little antioxidants are available, disease will result. We all need additional supplies of antioxidants.
A diet rich in antioxidants is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and fresh fruit and vegetables are the main dietary sources of antioxidants, the more you eat, the better. I call these antioxidants 'The ACES' and they are absolutely necessary for optimal health.

The ACES

A - Vitamin A: This is a powerful antioxidant which helps to protect the cells from cancer and other illnesses. It is commonly found in yellow, green and orange fruits including carrots, pumpkin, callaloo, papaya, mangoes, and also in liver and fish liver oils. The plant sources also contain other substances called carotenoids (e.g. beta carotene), which the body converts to vitamin A.

C - Vitamin C: Man is one of very few animals that cannot manufacture his own vitamin C. This essential antioxidant has to be obtained from the diet. It protects against pollution, cancer and infections and is also necessary for tissue growth and cell repair. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as citrus, berries and greens are good sources. This vitamin is greatly depleted by alcohol, many prescription medications, and by smoking.

E - Vitamin E: This is yet another powerful antioxidant, which not only protects against cancer, but also improves heart and circulatory function. It promotes healing, reduces blood pressure and prevents abnormal clotting of the blood. Vitamin E is found in cold pressed vegetable oils, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and grains.

S - Selenium: This mineral is a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with vitamin E, it protects the immune system from free radicals and inhibits the formation of tumours. Recent research indicates that selenium provides powerful protection from viruses, including the AIDS virus! Selenium, although needed in only small amounts, is important for the proper functioning of the heart, liver, pancreas and prostate. It is found in Brazil nuts, grains, yeast, broccoli, and some meats.
Unfortunately, the modern Western diet is deficient in the ACES and daily supplementation to ensure adequate antioxidant protection is necessary.

Herbal antioxidant
Several herbs also act as powerful antioxidants. Green tea (referred to last week) is full of antioxidant substances called polyphenols, which scientist believe are protective against cancer. The Chinese herb schizandra contains antioxidants called schizandrins, while the well-known Jamaican herb rosemary is endowed with potent antioxidants known as rosemanols. Pycnogenol, obtained from the bark of the French Marine pine tree as well as from the skin and seeds of red grapes, is an antioxidant that is particularly protective of the blood vessels.

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learn about nutraMetrix Isotonix® OPC-3® with pycnogenol

 

Primary Benefits of nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3®*:

• Combats free radicals
• Demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity
• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins
• Helps maintain joint flexibility
• Helps promote cardiovascular health
• Helps reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain
• Helps support visual health/visual acuity
• Potent free radical scavenger
• Promotes healthy blood vessel dilation
• Promotes healthy nitric oxide levels
• Supports a healthy complexion
• Supports healthy blood glucose levels
• Supports healthy platelet activity
• Supports healthy sperm quality
• Promotes sinus comfort

Key Ingredients Found In nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3®:
Grape Seed Extract: 25 mg
Grape seed extract is typically extracted from the seeds of red grapes (instead of white), which have a high content of compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Grape seed extract is extremely rich in polyphenols, compounds with high antioxidant activity. Grape seed extract has been found to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.* 

Red Wine Extract: 25 mg
Red wine extract is a powerful antioxidant. This extract is found in grape vines, roots, seeds and stalks, with the highest concentration in the skins. The antioxidant properties of red wine extract contribute to maintaining healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins, and promoting overall cardiovascular health.*
In the late 1990s, scientists took note of a phenomenon among the French. There were very low rates of cardiovascular problems in the provinces where residents consistently ate high fat foods and drank red wine. Scientists concluded that the protective properties of red wine have helped the French maintain cardiovascular health for years and subsequent scientific studies have further shown that the OPCs found in red wine are particularly beneficial for protecting the heart and blood vessels.*     
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®): 25 mg
Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France in Les Landes de Gascogne. This unspoiled and natural forest environment is the unique source of pine bark. Pycnogenol is one of the most researched ingredients in the natural product marketplace. Published findings have demonstrated Pycnogenol’s wide array of beneficial effects on the body. Pine bark extract is an all natural combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids.
The extract has three basic properties — it is a powerful antioxidant, selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and promotes the normal production of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes the normal dilation of dilate blood vessels.*
As one of the most potent natural scavenger of free radicals, Pycnogenol combats many aggressive free radicals before they cause oxidative stress to vital organs. Its super-antioxidant capabilities help support healthy blood platelet activity, support healthy blood glucose levels, reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain, maintain joint flexibility, promote cardiovascular health, promote healthy sperm quality, maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support a healthy complexion.*
Bilberry Extract: 25 mg
Bilberry extract is derived from the leaves and berry-like fruit of a common European shrub closely related to the blueberry. Extracts of the ripe berry are known to contain flavonoid pigments known as anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. Scientific studies confirm that bilberry extract supports healthy vision and venous circulation. Bilberry extract helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins.*
Citrus Extract (Bioflavonoids): 25 mg
Bioflavonoids are antioxidants found in certain plants that act as light filters, which protect delicate DNA chains and other important macromolecules by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. They have been found to promote cardiovascular health, help maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins, and demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity.*

If you are a healthcare provider who would like to receive nutritional counseling, please call Orlampa Enterprises, Inc. at (727) 492-8212.

Orlampa Enterprises, Inc. specializes in helping health care professionals implement holistic wellness programs into their existing practice with the goal to educate both the health care provider and the patient. The programs, which provide the health care professional with a substantial additional income stream in this ever changing medical marketplace, allow the patient to achieve true wellness instead of receiving a traditional treatment for symptoms.

Orlampa Enterprises is an internet based product broker specializing in personalized health and wellness related services. Orlampa Enterprises is primed to continue its growth by duplicating its successful business model of educating, training, and developing entrepreneurial leaders as business partners. As an Unfranchise™ business owner, Orlampa Enterprises, proudly utilizes highly researched products including nutraMetrix® nutritional supplements. 

 Orlampa Enterprises' motto is "Eat well, exercise, and supplement intelligently."

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Can't Get To The Gym? Have A Glass of Red Wine

Thursday, June 28th 2012 at 7:00 pm by Margie King, Health Coach (Courtesy of GreenMedInfo.com)

It may sound like a dream come true for many of us, but a research study published in the FASEB Journal,  suggests that resveratrol, the healthy compound found in red wine, could help counter the negative effects of being a couch potato.

The study tested the effects of resveratrol on rats under conditions resulting from spaceflight and sedentary lifestyles, and may tell researchers something about the same effects on people.  The report describes rat experiments that simulated the weightlessness of spaceflight. Some rats were fed resveratrol and others were not. The group fed resveratrol did not develop insulin resistance, muscle loss, or loss of bone mineral density, as did those who were not fed resveratrol.

Resveratrol has often been cited as the secret to the French Paradox - the fact that French people enjoy low levels of cardiovascular disease, even though their diets are rich in saturated fats and oils. Some researchers think the reason for this so-called paradox lies in France's love of red wine, which is the most important dietary source of resveratrol.  Other sources include grapes, raspberries, mulberries, blueberries, cranberries and surprisingly, peanuts.

According to Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal, "There are overwhelming data showing that the human body needs physical activity, but for some of us, getting that activity isn't easy. A low gravity environment makes it nearly impossible for astronauts. For the earthbound, barriers to physical activity are equally challenging, whether they be disease, injury, or a desk job. Resveratrol may not be a substitute for exercise, but it could slow deterioration until someone can get moving again."
Scientists studied rats that underwent simulated weightlessness and were given a daily dose of resveratrol. The control group showed decreased muscle mass and strength, development of insulin resistance, loss of bone mineral density and lower resistance to breakage. The group receiving resveratrol showed none of these complications.

According to the researchers their study suggests that resveratrol may be able to prevent the harmful consequences of sedentary behaviors in humans.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol and acts as a powerful antioxidant suppressing "free radicals" which can cause cell damage. Various clinical trials have indicated that it may have anti-aging properties and prevent the growth of some cancers in mice, inhibit enzymes that cause inflammation, shrink tumors and increase blood flow, thus reducing cardiovascular diseases. In many cases, it has also been shown to extend the life of obese animals and help to regulate insulin sensitivity.  In fact, all good reasons to enjoy a glass of red wine.

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 Learn more about Isotonix® Resveratrol

Key Ingredients Found In Isotonix® Resveratrol:

Resveravine® (20% resveratrol extract): 10 mg

Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant found in red wine. Resveravine is a natural extract from Vitis vinifera standardized to contain 20% oligostilbenes. Resveravine is 100 to 300 times more concentrated in trans-resveratrol than other products made from grape skin. It provides antioxidant protection of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, promotes normal platelet activity, vasorelaxation and blood flow, all which support cardiovascular health. It has been shown to promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in unhealthy cells. Another proposed mechanism of action involves the study of the SIRT-1 gene (also known at the longevity gene). Sirtuins, known as Silent Information Regulators (SIRs), are deacetylase enzymes identified in all living creatures. Sirtuin proteins are known to play an important role in keeping regions of chromosomes turned off. Sirtuin controls the enzyme that converts acetate, a source of calories, into acetyl-CoA, a key component of cellular respiration. In humans, there are seven different sirtuins, SIRT-1 to SIRT-7. SIRT-1 has been studied by scientist for its potential effect on human cell lifespan.*

Resveratrol promotes normal activity of SIRT-1. Studies have shown that SIRT-1 activates a critical component of calorie restriction in mammals and promotes fat mobilization. The most recent study (Nature 2006) demonstrated that obese mice fed red wine extract (resveratrol) were in better health and lived longer than obese mice that were not fed the red wine extract. The resveratrol group, were more able to maintain heart health compared to mice that were not fed resveratrol. SIRT-1 activation also supports healthy mitochondrial function and supports energy expenditure. Resveratrol has also been shown to have phytoestrogen activity and may support optimal estradiol activity. Other studies have documented neuroprotective benefits associated with resveratrol supplementation.*

A comparison test was made to evaluate the activating effect on human SIRT-1 of Resveravine and pure trans-resveratrol. Only the trans-resveratrol form of the molecule promotes normal activation of the mammalian SIRT-1 gene in vitro test. Resveravine was more than eight times more likely to promote SIRT-1 activity than pure trans-resveratrol, showing that Resveravine is more efficient than resveratrol in promoting the normal activity of SIRT-1. Therefore, while the specific mechanisms of SIRT-1 and resveratrol are still unclear, the studies show that SIRT-1 is essential in lifespan extension and health improvement, and resveratrol promotes SIRT-1 activity.*

Studies in numerous species have demonstrated that reduction of calories 30 to 50 percent below ad libitium levels of a nutritious diet can promote a longer lifespan, improve overall health, promote normal stress resistance and decelerate functional decline. Studies showed that, SIRT-1 activates a critical component of calorie restriction in mammals, and promotes fat mobilization in adipocytes by repressing PPAR (test conducted on mice). Because healthy fat levels have been show to promote a longer murine lifespan, it is suggested that calorie restriction could be connected to SIRT-1 and life extension in mammals.

As an alternative strategy, new research has focused on the development of calorie restriction mimetics, compounds that mimic the effect of calorie restriction by targeting metabolic and stress response pathways affected by calorie restriction, but without restricting caloric intake. Resveratrol has been suggested as a potential calorie restriction mimetic.  

Supplementing mice with resveratrol significantly increases their aerobic capacity. By promoting healthy SIRT-1 activity, resveratrol promotes healthy mitochondrial function and supports energy expenditure, thereby promoting healthy weight. In vivo test conducted on mice on a high-calorie diet, resveratrol shifts the physiology of middle-aged mice on a high-calorie diet towards that of mice on a standard diet and promotes their overall health.  

BioVin® Advanced (French Red Wine Extract with 5% resveratrol): 200 mg

Red wine extract containing oligomeric proanthocyanins (OPCs), known to be extremely effective in supporting cardiovascular health by supporting normal blood circulation, strengthening blood vessels, and promoting normal platelet activity. BioVin Advanced provides OPCs and additional Resveratrol. The red wine grape contains two main constituents shown to be of significant antioxidant value: red wine polyphenols (flavonoids) and trans-resveratrol (mentioned above). Oligomeric proanthocyanins are flavonoid complexes that act as super potent antioxidants in the human body. BioVin Advanced combines the antioxidant properties of OPCs with trans-resveratrol to promote phase 2 metabolizing enzymes, which are involved in the detoxification of the body’s cells, promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in unhealthy cells, promoting healthy cholesterol levels, and general free-radical scavenging properties.*

VitaBlue® Wild Blueberry Extract (12.5% anthocyanins): 50 mg

Blueberries rank highest among many fruits and vegetables for ORAC activity and contain 25-30 different types of anthocyanins. Anthocyanin gives blueberries (and other fruits) their rich blue and red coloring, and is a powerful flavonoid antioxidant. The mechanism of action surrounding anthocyanins has been studied at the molecular level, demonstrating effects such as the promotion of healthy cells and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Blueberries provide large amounts of chlorogenic acid, which is thought to be important in promoting cellular health. VitaBlue Wild Blueberry Extract supports the body’s COX-2 inhibitors and provides powerful antioxidants in much higher quantities than fresh blueberries, and show to be effective in promoting cardiovascular health, contributing to normal cell cycle traverse, and maintaining overall cellular health.*